So I started digging into Baldur’s Gate 3 classes last Tuesday because my chaotic sorcerer kept dying in act 2. Someone in a forum yelled “JUST PLAY TEMPEST CLERIC!” and I’m like… what the hell even is that?
First, I Clicked That “Cleric” Button
Opened character creation cold—zero plan. Scrolled past Life and Trickery domains ’til I saw Tempest. The little icon had a lightning bolt. Looked badass enough for me.
Testing The Waters At Level 1
Rolled a half-elf cleric named “Boomer”. Immediately noticed two things:
- Heavy Armor Proficiency: Dumped my sorcerer’s flimsy robes, slapped on full plate like a tank. Felt awesome clanking around.
- Wrath of the Storm: Some goblin shanked me near the grove. Reaction popped up—ZAP!—sent that little jerk flying 10 feet. Almost spilled my coffee laughing.
Figuring Out The Channel Divinity Thing
Hit level 2 and got Destructive Wrath. Sounded cool, but how’s it work? Tested it on those annoying harpies:
- Cast “Shatter” (because thunder damage = tempest vibe)
- Clicked channel divinity mid-cast
- BOOM. Rolled MAX thunder damage instantly. Feathers everywhere.
Realized this ain’t no support class—it’s a grenade with holy symbols.
Mid-Game Lightning Show
At level 5, grabbed Call Lightning. Oh man. Parked Boomer on high ground during the gnoll fight:
- Round 1: Drop lightning bolt → 26 damage
- Round 2: Use channel divinity → 48 DAMAGE CRIT
- Round 3: Lae’zel cleaned up scraps while I cackled like a supervillain
Best part? This ain’t a spell slot sink. Cast once, zap every turn.
Late-Game Shenanigans
Got to level 10 and unlocked Divine Intervention: Sunder the Herd. Picture this against a certain Act 3 boss:
- Dropped a max-damage lightning bolt → paralyzed his whole squad
- Sent Karlach charging into the shocked mob
- They blew up like microwaved grapes
Felt like cheating. 10/10 would tempest again.
Why I’m Sticking With This Class
Bottom line? Tempest cleric’s like a wrecking ball disguised as a priest. Made three big realizations:
- Forget “healer” stereotypes—you control battlefields by yeeting enemies off cliffs with thunderwaves
- Spell choices MATTER. Prep Shocking Grasp before wet fights → free advantage = crit city
- Gear synergy is nasty! Found gloves adding lightning charges → suddenly my mace zapped people on hit
My wizard buddy kept complaining I “stole his elemental fantasy.” Maybe. But watching him pick his jaw off the floor every combat? Priceless.
